A few people have asked me about leather backpacks recently (or rucksacks, if you are a Pom ;-)) So, this post is dedicated to the top five from independent designers I've come across lately... Hope you see something you like and don't forget to let me know if you are on the hunt for a particular type of bag - I might have seen something that suits.PB 0110 -CA7This is the first collection from PB 0110 and I love the sleek, minimalistic designs. The colours used in their range are really beautiful and their backpacks come in two sizes - theCA7 at 24.5x35x11cm is the smaller of the two (€349) and CA6 is the larger backpack at 31x42x14cm (€449)

PB 0110 CA7 available in white, navy, peach €349

Ally Capellino - Billy backpackFrom the Ally Capellino range of Zippy bags comes the Billy backpack. One of the things I love about the Billy is the squarer shape which makes it very functional for putting a lot in (if you are like me and a bit of a bag-stuffer). Internally, it has a padded pocket that can fit up to a 13" Macbook and a zipped pocket for things you don't want floating around. Available in black, mint and white, I'm loving the mint with the brown straps which are, by the way, padded.

Kara Handbags - black backpackI recently came across this US brand Kara, launched in 2012, and like this modern backpack which comes in black and maroon. It's got two zipped pockets - one interior and one exterior.

Kara, black backpack also available in maroon US$480

Grafea - popcorn yellow backpackThis bright yellow backpack from English brand Grafea will be a nice pop of colour especially for those heading into autumn and not ready for the usual muted tones of the cooler seasons. It's got several exterior pockets, including a zipped pocket on the back for things you might need to quick access to but need a bit of extra security for.

Grafea, popcorn yellow backpack £160 also available in blue & red

Hayden-Harnett -Thierry backpackHayden-Harnett is a US-based bag and accessories brand. With a broad range of accessories and pieces, including a great range of mens bags, the Thierry is described as a 'sling' bag rather than a backpack as it has a single, adjustable strap. The overall style is the same minus the traditional top-flap pocket of a backpack and has a zipped, exterior front pocket, and interior slip and zipped pockets large enough to fit an iPad.